Old mobile phones are one of the most commonly discarded electronic items in India. With brands launching new smartphones every year, millions of users upgrade their mobiles and look for ways to sell or recycle their old devices. Whether it is a broken smartphone, a dead keypad phone, or an outdated model lying inside a drawer, every old mobile still has scrap value.
Understanding the old mobile phone scrap rate helps you get the maximum value while also contributing to responsible e-waste recycling. Mobile phones contain valuable metals like gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, along with plastic and electronic components that can be recycled. Scrap dealers pay you based on the recoverable materials from your device.
In this detailed guide, we explain everything about mobile scrap price in India, including smartphone scrap value, keypad phone scrap value, factors affecting prices, and useful tips to get the best possible rate. A complete 2025 scrap rate table is also included for easy reference.
Mobile scrap value depends on phone type, weight, battery, condition, and internal metal content. Below is the latest scrap price chart:
| Type of Mobile | Scrap Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Android Smartphone (Dead / Broken) | ₹50 – ₹350 per phone |
| iPhone (Old / Non-working) | ₹150 – ₹1,200 per phone |
| Keypad Phone (Nokia / Samsung / Micromax) | ₹20 – ₹120 per phone |
| Touch Phone Without Battery | ₹20 – ₹200 per phone |
| Phone Motherboard Scrap | ₹400 – ₹800 per kg |
| Mobile Battery (Lithium-ion) | ₹8 – ₹25 per piece |
| Smartphone Body + Plastic Scrap | ₹5 – ₹20 per piece |
Prices may vary slightly depending on the city, local scrap demand, and the phone model.
Most mobile phones contain several valuable components inside them. These materials can be extracted and reused in new products. This is why scrap dealers, recyclers, and refurbishment companies buy old mobile phones even if they are broken.
A single smartphone may contain only a small amount of precious metals, but when hundreds of devices are recycled together, it becomes profitable for recyclers.
Old keypad phones have lower scrap value because they contain fewer electronic components. Smartphones have higher scrap worth due to bigger circuit boards, more metals, and larger batteries.
| Phone Type | Scrap Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | Higher (₹50 – ₹350) | More metal, bigger motherboard, recyclable battery |
| iPhones | Highest (₹150 – ₹1,200) | Better-quality materials, more gold and copper |
| Keypad Phones | Low (₹20 – ₹120) | Less metal content, small size |
Most scrap dealers accept mobile phones of all brands, including:
Even if your device is not working or is completely broken, it still has scrap value.
A phone with intact parts has better resale value than a broken one. If the battery, display, motherboard, and back cover are present, the scrap dealer will offer a better rate.
Lithium-ion batteries have higher scrap value due to the metals inside them.
Brands like Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus may fetch more because they contain better-quality internal components.
Heavier phones typically contain more recyclable metals.
Scrap value goes up when global metal prices rise.
Scrap value is calculated using:
Some dealers buy phones by weight (per kg), while others offer fixed rates per piece.
Phone batteries are made of lithium-ion cells that have value even after the phone stops working. They are purchased separately at scrap shops.
| Battery Type | Scrap Value |
|---|---|
| Lithium-ion Battery | ₹8 – ₹25 per piece |
| Swollen / Dead Battery | ₹5 – ₹10 per piece |
| Smartphone Battery | ₹10 – ₹20 |
Do not throw old mobile batteries in the garbage—they contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
You can sell your old mobile phone at:
Authorized recycling centers offer better rates and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Scrap value is the amount given by scrap dealers, while exchange value is the discount you get on buying a new phone.
| Option | Value Offered | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Scrap Dealer | ₹20 – ₹350 | Instant cash |
| Mobile Repair Shop | ₹50 – ₹500 | Better value |
| Exchange Offer (Retail Store) | ₹100 – ₹1,200 | Highest value but only as store credit |
Recycling old phones reduces e-waste and prevents dangerous chemicals from entering soil and water. It also helps recover precious metals that can be reused in new electronics.
The scrap price ranges from ₹20 to ₹350 for smartphones and ₹20 to ₹120 for keypad phones, depending on condition and model.
Yes, iPhones have higher scrap value due to better-quality components and more metal content. Non-working iPhones may fetch ₹150 to ₹1,200 as scrap.
A lithium-ion mobile battery is typically worth ₹8 to ₹25, depending on condition and weight.
Yes, broken or dead smartphones still have scrap value due to internal components like motherboard, battery, and wiring.
Local scrap shops, authorized e-waste recycling centers, mobile repair shops, or online recycling platforms.
Yes. Phones with missing batteries, back covers, or motherboards have lower scrap value. Complete phones fetch the best rates.
No. Mobile phones contain chemicals and metals that are harmful to the environment. Always recycle them through authorized centers.
Yes, motherboards contain gold, copper, and silver, making them valuable. Scrap prices range between ₹400 and ₹800 per kg.
Yes. Scrap prices differ based on location, metal demand, and dealer margins. Metro cities usually offer slightly higher rates.
Always remove your SIM card, backup your data, and reset the phone to factory settings before handing it over to scrap dealers or recyclers.
Old mobile phone scrap rates in India depend on phone type, condition, internal components, and battery. Smartphones and iPhones have a higher scrap value due to more metal content, while keypad phones offer a lower return. Recycling is the best way to dispose of old mobile devices safely and responsibly while earning extra money.
Before you throw away your old mobile, check its scrap value. Even a broken or dead phone can give you some money while helping the environment.